The Atlanta Hawks traded Danilo Gallinari to the San Antonio Spurs along with several unprotected draft picks. In exchange, they got back All-Star Dejounte Murray in return. The facelift to the Hawks’ roster resulted in Gallinari finding his way back to the Eastern Conference and onto a rival’s roster.
Gallinari was in Atlanta for two seasons and helped the Hawks end a five-year playoff drought last season.
He did most of his work as a reserve, coming off of the bench for 95 of his 117 appearances.
And, while he will likely do the same for his new team, the Boston Celtics, the 14-year veteran will also be in a better position to contend for a title next season. Even more important, he will get to fulfill a childhood dream.
Trade from the Atlanta Hawks leads to Danilo Gallinari realizing his childhood dream
In his two seasons, Gallinari averaged 12.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting over 39% from beyond the arc. He was also nearly automatic from the free-throw line shooting over 91%. And, when he was called upon to fill in as a starter, Gallinari often delivered in a typical fashion.
He averaged 16.1 points, 5.0 boards, and 1.5 dimes across those 22 starts.
Meeting with the media for his introductory press conference, Gallinari spoke on the significance of joining the Celtics, via Forbes’ Keith Smith.
“I grew up with my dad, since I was a little kid, being a Celtics family. Huge Larry Bird fan. So, when the Celtics came on the table, it was almost like a no-brainer”, said Gallinari, “Even being just here in the facility, you can feel the history and that this place is all about winning. I can’t wait to wear these colors.”
He made no bones about another draw to the organization he grew up rooting for.
“Winning a championship is a constant thought for me at this point in my career.”
That certainly was not going to happen with the Spurs. Part of their logic behind moving Murray was to embark on a serious rebuild.
It also seems inevitable Gallinari would have ended up back in the Eastern Conference – perhaps to play spoiler to the Hawks when the teams meet – as he was also linked to the Chicago Bulls before settling in Boston.
As for how well the soon-to-be 38-year-old thinks he will fit in with what the Celtics do?
“I’m a pretty versatile player. I’ve played in a lot of systems and there are a lot of things I can do well. I think I can really fit in here and help the team win.”
That is a fairly standard answer. But this is far from a standard situation for the journeyman who will suit up for the sixth and, arguably, the most significant team of his career.
“It’s a dream to play here. I’ve dreamed about this for a long time.”
A consummate professional, Gallinari shared a message he had for his former Hawks teammates who thought they would “be back”. One they would do well to heed in the wake of their roster changes. Changes that included Kevin Huerter being traded.
“I said ‘No. We need to win now. You have to do it now.’ You never know when you’ll get the opportunity again.”
As the Hawks continue to weigh whether or not more moves are needed on the margins, the reality is the expectations did not come down following a poor season. In fact, they have been raised given all they sent to San Antonio for Murray.